The 2nd European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST-2): rationale and protocol for a randomised clinical trial comparing immediate revascularisation versus optimised medical therapy alone in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis at low to intermediate risk of stroke

Table 2 MR imaging protocols in ECST-2

Brain MR imaging
Required sequences	T1-weighted imaging T2-weighted imaging Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) Gradient echo T2*-weighted imaging (or susceptibility-weighted imaging [SWI])
Carotid plaque MR imaging
Required sequences	3D time of flight (TOF) 3D magnetisation-prepared rapid gradient-echo (MPRAGE) or an equivalent sequence that allows identification of intraplaque haemorrhage
Optional sequences^a	3D with contrast	Pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted SPACE/CUBE/VISTA imaging
	2D with contrast	Pre- and post-contrast black blood T1-weighted imaging
	3D without contrast	T1-weighted and T2-weighted black blood SPACE/CUBE/VISTA imaging
	2D without contrast	Black blood T1-weighted imaging T2-weighted imaging

^aThe option is given to use intravenous gadolinium contrast. It is preferred to use 3D imaging however there is an option for 2D imaging

ISSN: 1745-6215